The General Accountability Office recently found no consensus on eliminating paper labeling and exclusively using electronic labeling for prescribing information, medication guides, and patient inserts. That was good news for drug stores’ bottom lines: The GAO noted that the change would likely mean a shift in the costs of printing from drug manufacturers to pharmacies.
Find out how else pharmacists could be impacted by the change, which is generally supported by the pharmaceutical industry.

Alternate-Day Aspirin Use Lowers Colorectal Cancer Risks in Women

A new study found that long-term use of alternate-day, low-dose aspirin reduced the risk of colorectal cancer in women, but pharmacists shouldn’t be too quick to change recommendations on use of the therapy. The research showed some downsides from regular aspirin use, and current government guidelines suggest that the risks still outweigh the benefits for most patients seeking to lower their colon cancer risks.
Here are the details.

ED Visits Increase Significantly for Zolpidem
Adverse Reactions

Pharmacists should counsel patients, especially older ones, on the safe use of all products containing zolpidem. That’s according to a recent government report that found emergency department visits for adverse reactions to the sleep medications more than doubled in a 5-year period.
Find out more.

Androgen-Deprivation Therapy More Than Doubled Risk of Acute Kidney Injury

Androgen-deprivation therapy is increasingly being used in men with less severe prostate cancer, according to a recent study. The research demonstrates a link between the therapy and a greatly increased risk of acute kidney injury in those patients.
Here are the details.